The Course is Only the Beginning…

Although I am enjoying the course and feel this is absolutely the right career path for me, I still have an underlying fear of breaking into the web design industry.

Having spoken to professionals from various backgrounds, the general consensus seems to indicate that the industry is very competitive, and can be difficult for young designers with little experience to break into. Having done my research before deciding to take up the course, this didn’t come as a great shock to me.

On completion of the course many different avenues will open up for me, which in itself is quite daunting. Do I focus on print design? Do I focus on web development? Do I need to be strong in both areas? Do I try my hand at freelancing? I hope that as the course unfolds, the answer to these questions will become much clearer.

On first thoughts freelancing appears to be the best option; minimal overhead costs, flexible hours, and being my own boss. It can’t be as easy as setting up a web page and off you go – can it? Well any thoughts I had along those lines have been quickly eradicated. Having spoken to freelancers and having a friend [Ben Waller] who has set up a new company, I know how difficult it can be. There are so many issues to consider and different skills required to be a make it a success. I think some experience within the industry would be beneficial before I consider this a serious option.

On top of all of the above is the added concern of having confidence in my own ability. Will my portfolio be good enough to make potential customers choose me over the competition? Having seen the quality of some of the work out there it makes me wonder if I can achieve a similar standard. I know I am getting slightly ahead of myself as only time will tell, but I am already starting to envisage the pressure and struggle that could follow the conclusion of the course.

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‘The Penny drops’

From day one, the course has been a continuous learning curve; from entering the class-room and learning things about myself and others – to learning how to design and pitch a website.  Along the way I have encountered various ‘significant incidents’, which have had a major impact on my learning and understanding. I refer to these incidents as moments when ‘the penny drops’. One incident that juts out at me and changed the way I perceived design, was the first lecture on design principles.

When joining the course, one of my fears was that my level of design would not be up to scratch. I had doubts over my artistic ability and worried that I would get left behind in this area. Of course, my perception of design then was very different; pretty pictures, Van Gogh style sketches, and glitzy Photoshop techniques, were what I envisioned. That was of course until the design principles lecture came along and combated all of my worries.

After the lecture the blur of design became a whole lot clearer. It wasn’t just about the pretty pictures anymore; it was about the ability to meet a specification. Charles Eames states “Design is a plan for arranging elements in such a way as best to accomplish a particular purpose“*. This quote best captures my newly found in take on design.

Once I had learnt the principles of producing good quality, effective design; it was just a matter of applying these to my own work wherever possible. Simple things like the use of white space, an effective layout, and correct choice of typeface; were things I took for granted when looking at day-to-day designs. I now appreciate that the real skill to design is implementing these simple core principles effectively to create efficient designs.

Word count: 300

*Eames, C. www.brainyquote.com, Charles Eames Quotes, Accessed [16/01/2010]

‘Ding-Ding’…End of Round One

With semester one complete and the Christmas/New Years affairs over with, it seems like now would be a good time to sit down, grab a brew, reflect and share my thoughts. Looking back, it’s quite astonishing at just how much information I have consumed in such a short space of time.

The majority of all the work in semester one was done using InDesign. As this was completely new to me, the first hurdle was to get up to speed and have a good understanding of the software.  Once Steve had taught us the fundamental basics, I found myself up and running in no time. I feel that tutorials and experimentation within my own time also helped to accelerate my knowledge of the software.

Along with InDesign, WordPress was also something that was completely new to me. Again, starting with baby steps, I was soon crawling, then walking; although I still feel there is more to explore once we’re at a more advanced level.

So, with knowledge of the software under my belt, it was time to put it into practice. Our first assignment was to produce a report on our understanding of the web industry, and how it currently operates. The thought of interviewing a practicing professional was slightly daunting, but turned out quite well. I feel this was a good start to the semester as it gave us an understanding of what was actually going on in the real world, as well as enabling us to establish contacts which could be useful in the future.

Typography and Interface Design were next on the agenda, and it looked like I would have my work cut out, trying to simultaneously juggle the assignments along with writing my online journal. But in-fact, I found that having the assignments running together was manageable and helped to keep things fresh.

I enjoyed the typography mini-tasks we were set, and I think I took to them quite well. Having been taught the essential rules/guides to design, it was just a matter of taking everything on board and implementing them where necessary. If I’m honest, I actually surprised myself with the level of my design work, and I feel this could become one of my strengths throughout the course.

First of six mini-tasks. ‘Fontbook’

I also enjoyed the Interface Design assignment, especially the actual designing element of my website. On the down side though, I did begin to notice a negative coloration appearing within the level of my sketchbook work. I tend to rush the ideas generation part, and as soon as I have an idea in my head, I jump straight in. I find it hard to relate what I’m doing in my sketchbook to what the design will actually look like on-screen. This is something I will have to work on as I know a lot of marks are allocated to the development work.

I am proud of some of my achievements during the first semester. In particular when faced with the mammoth task of learning fifty different typefaces, as well as various different pieces of terminology for the typography exam. At first learning the typefaces with such slender differences seemed like an impossible task; a bit like running through a cage of tigers with a wildebeest steak tied around your back. Therefore I had to ensure I put extra time and effort into this particular area, and hopefully I will reap the rewards.

The one disappointment so far as I have mentioned in my previous entries was failing to pass my first assignment. However my second submission was successful and I will use this as a valuable learning curve.

So, with that now turned into a positive, I feel that on the whole semester one has gone well and will hopefully be a success. Fingers crossed for the results!

Word count: 633

Where I am going

After reflecting on my last entry, I realise I had highlighted some weaknesses which need to be improved. The first assignment taught me a valuable lesson which will stay with me throughout the rest of the course, and beyond – I need to check my work, check again, double check, triple check, and did I mention…Check! I have quickly realised that there is no place for minor mistakes in the world of design, especially when your publications can be seen by the world.

So, with attention to detail at the top of the list of improvements, a close runner up would be my presentational skills. Whether I’m wiggling a leg, dancing on the spot or mumbling my words, I need to learn to control myself to ensure I don’t lose potential clients in the future.

The third and final spot on my list of improvements goes to my general contribution to class discussions.  I realise that I tend to listen and take things in during discussions, but could input more of my ideas and questions, rather than always relying on other members of the group. I am therefore going to make a valiant effort get more involved.

It goes without saying that my overall design skills need to be at a much higher level by the time I am ready for employment. Along-side this I need have a good knowledge of coding and building websites. This doesn’t worry me as I am happy with the progress of my development, and even at this early stage of the course, I have improved 100% with the knowledge I have learnt.

My overall aim for the course is simple, I want… no, I need to pass the course. I would be happy with an overall achievement of 40%, basically enough to pass. However my aim is to achieve 60%, [merit], which I can already see is going to be difficult but achievable.

My plan of attack on the world of employment will start with me getting ‘my foot in the door’, [not literally ending up with a bruised foot]. By this I mean take whatever job is going, just to gain valuable experience in order to help me progress. I don’t think I can afford to be selective when entering the highly completive design industry. I would also like to do some freelancing work on the side and build up a network of clients. Hopefully after achieving this, I can then move on-wards and up-wards as a flexible print & web designer.

I feel the skills and knowledge from employment will help me achieve my ultimate goal which is to become a full-time freelance designer. I wouldn’t rule out the possibility of doing this with a business partner(s).

To summarise my aims:

• I need to improve my contribution in class
• Perfect my presentational skills
• Pass the course [merit would be a bonus]
• Get my first job as a print/web designer
• Become a freelance designer

Where I am now

I need to start by touching on my disappointment with the result of my first assignment. I can then put this to one side and concentrate on writing the rest of my blog. I had a minimum expectation for my result and failing to achieve that has set me back slightly. Basic mistakes and a batch of conked out CD’s have cost me, but it’s a lesson to be learnt and will not happen again. I have never agreed with the saying ‘A good workman never blames his tools’ – and yes tools your having some of the blame!

On a more positive note the course is great; I am thoroughly enjoying the individual challenge and being part of a unified group. I am pleasantly surprised at how quickly we have amalgamated and you could say we run like a ‘Well-oiled machine’.

The work so far has been varied, and I find juggling assignments simultaneously helps keep it interesting. I think I am managing the work quite well so far, but with the schedule becoming busier I am preserving judgment until a later date.

My organisational skills have improved and I feel this will be essential throughout. I had an insight into the course before I joined and so far things are as expected. The standard of work has to be as near to perfection as possible, which I feel will help us when applying our trade within the industry.

As-well as my organisational skills, I feel my attention to detail has improved, and will need to keep on doing so if I am to succeed on the course. My listening and note taking skills are also improving, and so far I am coping well with amount of information we need to take on board.

The toughest task I have come across so far during the course, is remembering the different typefaces as part of our typography assignment. Some of the fonts are incredibly similar and I have already identified this as a weakness; therefore it is something I will need to dedicate more time to.

Using the ‘Honey & Mumford Learning Styles Questionnaire’, I have managed to identify what learning style applies to me. The result quite clearly showed that I am predominantly a ‘reflector’. This clarified what I already believed, as I tend to listen to opinions of others and reflect on them in my own mind. I am more laid back than most, and prefer to listen and absorb information; reflect, and then give my own opinions. Naturally, I think this has led me to becoming one of the quieter members of the group when it comes to speaking in discussions.

With self-study being vitally important to the course, I think it’s important to create my own space at home. So far most of my self-study has been in the bedroom with my laptop on the bed, which hasn’t been ideal. I will soon have a designated area in which do my study, hopefully helping me differentiate between ‘study time’ and ‘Sky Sports News time’.

The main aspect of the course which has pleased me the most, is the focus put upon preparing us for industry. As-well as learning to design and build websites, we are learning the importance of all competencies needed to succeed as a designer. This doesn’t seem to be the case with some of the similar courses as Rutledge states “…the vast majority of students emerging from university, design school, and trade school lack fundamental skills and understanding necessary for the Web design professions.”*

One of the main skills required to succeed, is the ability to communicate both written and verbally to a high standard. My face to face presentations skills have to improve immensely, as being able to pitch my designs to clients is essential. I am sure with plenty of practice; I will have these skills polished in time.

Where I am now? Well to summarise, I’m happy with the way the course is unfolding and am becoming enchanted by the world of design.

Word count: 676

* Rutledge, A. www.andyrutledge.com, The Employable Designer, Accessed [17/11/2009]

Where I have come from

Well where do I start? Young Robinson growing up with no real ambition. “I’ll be a footballer” I use to tell my parents. The real world hit me hard.

My first thoughts when leaving school were geared towards becoming an accountant. I enjoyed maths, they’re well paid and it seemed a sensible option. I always felt I had a creative side but opted against pursuing this, as I felt career options would be more limited.

I went on to study accountancy at NEW College in Pontefract. Although I had lots of fun during the two years, the accountancy course didn’t meet my expectations. I didn’t get the results I was capable of, and devoted most of my time to chasing women and partying. On reflection, I think it would be fair to say I had an immature attitude to the importance of my education.

After leaving college I convinced myself I could develop my career through full-time employment rather than attending university. I think the lure of a full-time wage was too much for me. It wasn’t long before I got my first job working as an administrator for RBS (Royal Bank of Scotland). It was dull, but when my first payday came round I felt like a child in a sweetshop.

After two years of plodding away at my mundane job, I successfully applied for a claims advisor role within the same company. Although the headset messed up my hair, I initially found it very interesting and enjoyed the new challenge.

Another year had passed and I found myself thinking “where is this going?” I couldn’t see any real chance of progression and found myself stuck in a rut. I decided I had spent enough time wired to a phone and started seeking a new challenge.

At this point my friend also found himself in a similar situation. We both looked at the FdA Web Design course, which my friend went on to join. After consideration, I felt the timing wasn’t right due to my financial commitments.

I eventually moved on and managed to get a job with a financial advice company called Towrylaw. Having never worked in the financial sector before, I didn’t quite know what to expect. The initial period of learning something new once again stimulated my brain.

Six months into the job, I started to realise how repetitive it was becoming and grew frustrated with working in auto pilot. I even became obsessed with Sudokus to make sure my brain didn’t completely shut down. The offer of taking exams to progress wasn’t enough for me and I needed a job that I had a genuine interest in.

This led to me applying for the FdA Web Design course. It had previously grabbed my interest and ticked all the right boxes. Learning a new skill with genuine interest, being creative and a change in career are all the things I need to begin a new chapter in my life.

Word count: 495